Given the nature of Newcastle United’s backing, there is always likely to be controversy in regards to the club.
Indeed, upon the initial takeover back in October 2021, there were reports that other members of the Premier League would set up something of a cartel.
While that hasn’t proven to be the case with Newcastle regularly conducting transfer business with domestic rivals, the likes of Jurgen Klopp have previously made negative comments about PIF’s backing.
Still, despite the fact the club have done business within the confines of the Premier League, that doesn’t mean they are particularly popular.
One opposition director refused to shake the hands of Newcastle staff
Indeed, according to The Athletic, members of the Newcastle delegation encountered a frosty reception when playing another member of the ‘top seven’ last season.
It is claimed those involved with Newcastle stretched out their hands to shake with the director question, only for him to ignore it and make the hostility clear.
The incident was believed to have been so “awkward” that the Newcastle executive involved wanted their identity held when speaking to the publication.
Us against the world mentality is for the best
Without getting into whataboutery, the kind of siege mentality created by such hostility can play into Newcastle’s hands.
Eddie Howe’s side are not pleasant to play against, with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag branding them as “annoying”.
To be framed as the bad guys can be a positive. St James’ Park is not a pleasant place for opposing teams to come, with the team losing only twice there all of last season.
Newcastle have embraced being unpopular amongst the neutrals. So far, that has worked.
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